When I speak, I don’t speak as a Democrat, or a Republican, nor an American. I speak as a victim of America’s so-called “democracy.” You and I have never seen democracy, all we’ve seen is hypocrisy, and the generation that’s coming up now can see it and are not afraid to say it.
Malcolm X (via gscottleonard)
Thought of the day: Respect VS. Love
It’s human nature to love and want to be loved. Its an aspect of our humanity that has been analyzed and discussed numerous times but is one of the hardest feelings to decipher.
I think I heard it asked on a beauty pageant ” Would you rather be respected or loved?” Yes, being loved is nice, but respect should come first.
You don’t need everyone to love you. Respect is the best foundation in any relationship, whether its a romantic , between family or friends. You can’t say you love someone unless you know how to respect them. But how do you define respect? Im sure everyone has their of definition of respect, but for me Respect is being considerate of someone else’s feelings, understanding things in their perspective. Putting your own thoughts and biases outside and looking at the big picture. If you understand their feelings, you would be more sensitive in knowing what would hurt or insult them.
Respect with regards to romantic relationships: Starting relationships are a challenge. You have to be able to learn to respect each other in order to know what each other is feeling, getting to know that person and understanding their way of thinking. You cannot say you love that person if you don’t respect them.
Even in relationships, or marriages wherein the feeling of LOVE or being IN LOVE fades away, if the respect for each other stays, it is enough to be able to live without any bitterness . acknowledging each other’s feelings and decisions and coming into terms with the outcome. Those relationships that lack respect are usually the ones who turn bitter in the end.
For example. If you found someone else, Have enough respect to tell that person that you are in love with someone else, rather than cheating on that person.
If you have fallen out of love with someone, have the respect to tell them. You wont leave them hanging or just leave suddenly. It goes hand in hand with EMPATHY. ” Putting yourself in another’s shoes”
Your partner might not be able to accept that fact easily, but have the respect to understand their feelings, give them space if needed. Don’t lead someone on if you have no intention of staying. If the respect remains even if the love is gone, eventually, you will be able to just laugh back at it or recall it peacefully without any guilt.
Bottomline is: You may think you love someone or you may think they love you. But that isn’t enough. Take a step back and think ” does he/she” have respect for me? If the answer is no. Then its time to think.
